news

Kevin Staut snatches prize with last-minute show

A flawless twelfth-hour round by Kevin Staut at CSI5* 1.50m jumping class offered spectators a grand finale on the fifth day of CHI AL SHAQAB 2015 and gave a prestigious victory to the Frenchman in Doha.

The 2009 European Champion and 2010 and 2014 World team jumping silver medalist was the very last rider, on Quismy des Vaux HDC, to try the twelve-obstacle challenge and succeeded in eclipsing the previous best time set at a very early stage by Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and For Sale 6, by 0,45 of a second. The Swede’s time was 65:01 to Staut’s 64:56.

Brazilian-born Cassio Rivetti, who represents Ukraine since 2009, and 9-year old mare Chataga were fast enough to grab third place among the 39 elite riders with a time of 66:43. Belgian Pieter Devos, ranked fifth in 67:57 admirably and dramatically managed to stay mounted when Equipharma Dax van Dabdijhoeve tipped following a harsh clearance over fence 11 and subsequently earned the spectators’ warm applause.

Overall seven riders had a flawless course at CSI5* Against the Clock competition, which worked as a perfect warm-up for Saturday’s great Grand Prix of Al Shaqab.

RESULTS :

1. Kevin Staut (France) – Quismy des Vaux HDC 0/64:56
2. Henrik Von Eckermann (Sweden) – For Sale 6 0/65:01
3. Cassio Rivetti (Ukraine) – Chataga 0/66:43


QUOTES :

Kevin STAUT (FRA), winner

On his winning:
“I am extremely happy to achieve victory here. I was doing my best and it brought the result.”

On CHI AL SHAQAB:
“The equestrian facilities at CHI AL SHAQAB are totally incredible. It shows the serious attitude to all things equestrian.”


Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), second

On his result:
“It is a good result for me. It was a really strong performance and I am satisfied with it.”

On CHI AL SHAQAB:
“There are some fantastic facilities here. It’s simply the best in the whole world. CHI AL SHAQAB is the best competition to compete in.”


Cassio RIVETTI (UKR), third

On his performance:
“It went very well for me. I am happy with my horse and myself too. There’s also the next time to try to be faster and get a better result.”

On the competition:
“The competition at CHI AL SHAQAB is pretty tough with plenty of good riders and amazing horses. It makes it very challenging and exciting.”